Article Today, Vemsoor: A deep-rooted corruption scandal has surfaced in Telangana’s oil palm plantations. During field inspections, several irregularities are coming to light. Farmers accuse officials of exploiting their innocence and pushing substandard saplings. Initial findings from scientists indicate large-scale genetic defects in the plants. The scandal is now drawing national attention.
Half the Saplings Defective in Vemsoor Farm
Following orders from Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a field survey is underway to assess the scale of irregularities in oil palm cultivation. A team from the Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) has already visited the region twice. On Wednesday, the team inspected plantations in Vemsoor mandal once again.
They examined farms owned by Dodda Chakradhar Reddy, Gorrela Satyanarayana Reddy, Desireddy Satyanarayana Reddy, and Gade Brahmananda Reddy. One of the farmers had a 10-acre plantation with 570 saplings planted during 2018–19. Shockingly, around 300 of those were found to be genetically defective. The team observed that while each acre should yield around 8 tonnes of fruit, the output was only 3 tonnes. This has caused significant financial loss to the farmer.
Imported Saplings Failed Quality Standards
The visiting scientists were stunned by the quality of the saplings supplied to farmers. They noted that nearly one lakh saplings out of a batch of four lakh imported during 2021–22 had genetic defects. These plants were brought in from foreign countries, including Malaysia and Costa Rica. The preliminary estimate suggests massive financial irregularities. Angry farmers are demanding accountability from officials involved.
Officials Allegedly Colluded With Suppliers
Both central and state governments have been promoting oil palm cultivation with heavy subsidies. In Telangana, Oilfed was appointed as the nodal agency for procurement and distribution. But now, it is alleged that officials purchased substandard saplings at the price of premium-quality ones.
These Saplings were imported in bulk until 2022, when Surender served as the Managing Director of the corporation. Reports suggest the purchases were made under his supervision. Key decisions, such as placing orders, clearing bills, and making payments, happened under the same leadership.
Questions Raised Over Higher Officials’ Role
Farmers and observers now question the role of senior agriculture department officials during that period. Could such large-scale procurement have happened without their approval? Were they misled by Oilfed officials, or were they part of the deal? These unanswered questions are fuelling further suspicion.
Demand for High-Level Probe Grows Louder
Unless a thorough investigation is conducted, the full extent of the scam may remain hidden. Farmers are also questioning the silence of the current government. Many senior officials involved in past decisions continue to hold influential positions today. There are concerns that this continuity may hinder transparency and prevent full exposure of the wrongdoing.
Farmers Call for Justice and Accountability
As the scandal deepens, affected farmers are demanding justice. They want the culprits punished and their losses compensated. They urge the government to act decisively, hold corrupt officials accountable, and restore faith in the system. Without immediate corrective measures, the credibility of oil palm cultivation initiatives could be permanently damaged.
